Busting through

Craftaholic Leigh Batnick gears up for the Bust Spring Fling Craftacular

By Rebecca Brown

Special to Metromix
April 25, 2008

Busting through
Among the rolling sea of crafters participating in Bust's Spring Fling Craftacular in Williamsburg comes Jezebel, an eclectic company with an even more eccentric vision. “Jezebel is correspondence for the vagabond heart," says Jezebel's designer Leigh Batnick. "The marriage of 19th-century silhouettes and 21st-century epigraphs allow a peek into a diorama world.” Known primarily for her note cards and stationery, Batnick has also gained a devoted following for her unique prints and thought-provoking insight.

Tell me about what you sell.
The line currently includes stationery and T-shirts, with a capsule collection of fine jewelry launching in a few weeks.

Where do you find inspiration?

The inspiration for Jezebel ranges from books from my childhood, my father’s record collection, antique family photos, black-and-white foreign films, and dreams of Egypt, Morocco and India.

How did you end up at the Bust Craftacular?

At the recommendation of Loyalty and Blood, friends who own a killer company themselves, I applied for the Bust Holiday Craftacular this past winter, and applied again for the Spring Fling.

Are there any vendors you are excited about seeing?

There are always unexpected treasures to be found in all corners, but I'm looking forward to the modern millinery of Charm School Design, Erica Weiner's narrative-filled necklaces, and the VeraMeat's madcap jewels—she'll be sharing my table!
 
What do you hope to see at this year's Craftacular?
I hope to see community and kindness. At the last Craftacular, I met the Sperber sisters from 31 Corn Lane and the creator of Astulabee's amazingly gorgeous plush, crash-helmet-wearing rabbits. We talked shop with grace and openness.

What is the weirdest craft you've ever created or seen?
I generally am inspired by that which is slightly off kilter and color combinations that I can taste on the back of my palate. I have a coterie of treasures that inspire me, ranging from a water-lily chinoiserie panel purchased at the Brooklyn Flea to my favorite gold-toned bracelet chain adorned with a mother-of-pearl pagoda and dragon.
 
How do you know if a craft project will be a success?
Whenever I begin a new project, I head to my favorite used book store with a cup of my favorite iced cardamom coffee. If I strike gold at the 50-cent-and-dollar carts, I consider the project blessed and an auspicious undertaking.

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